The story of the Hasler family's migration from Switzerland to Greene County, Indiana in the mid-19th century is passed on to a member of the current generation. An introduction offers commentary on oral histories and an afterward offers tips on pursuing more information through genealogical research. The information in the afterword is fairly general, and I was a bit disappointed that no mention was made of passenger list records and that the census example used was a published abstract rather than a microfilm or digital image copy. Still, this is a book which should create genealogical interest in younger persons. ( )

Wikipedia in English

Sailing ships, stagecoaches, flatboats, and covered wagons—this is how Casper and Catherine Hasler and their children traveled to their new home in America. Times were hard in Europe in 1849 when Casper left his family to sail to the United States. Catherine stayed behind to await the birth of their sixth child. Once settled in the Midwest, Casper worked as a stonecutter, sending his wages to Catherine to pay for the family’s trip. Meanwhile, Catherine and the children had many adventures of their own, ending in a joyous reunion with Casper amidst the hills of southern Indiana. That day, Casper had two BIG surprises!

Brian Hasler tells the story of his great-great-grandparents as his father told it to him when he was a young boy. By writing it down, he saves it for future generations and helps readers understand how and why many Europeans moved to America. Along with the Haslers’ story, this book introduces young readers to oral history—the telling of true stories—and helps them to start learning about and investigating their own family stories.